Chapter 5 Finding him

Elena POV

"Let's take this discussion inside." Benjamin said, as his hands moved closer to me in an attempt to touch me, but I moved backwards quickly. I could see Sandra from afar waiting for my signal so she could come out of her hiding place.

"Benjamin", I called softly, making him raise his hands up like he was about to silence me.

"Shiii, it's not Benjamin anymore. You could get punished for calling me that", he whispered. That was when I realized he was now the king and Alpha over everyone and, most especially, he wasn't my husband anymore.

"What do you want to tell me?" He asked.

"I did not come alone", I murmured, waiting for his reaction. To my surprise, all he did was laugh silently.

"You brought a human to our midst and you think I won't be aware of it", he said to me. I moved closer to his ear to whisper some words to him.

"She doesn't know that I am a werewolf", I said to Benjamin, making him turn towards Sandra's hiding place surprised.

"How would we protect someone who isn't aware of her surroundings?", he asked.

"Why did you even let her follow you?", he asked. I can't believe he was feeling pitiful for Sandra already.

"She saved my life and she is also willing to follow me anywhere just to save my triplets", I whispered to him.

Benjamin sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Fine," he conceded, his voice begrudging.

"But if anything happens to her, it's on you, not me", he finally said.

Relief washed over me as I nodded, grateful that he was willing to at least consider my request. "Thank you, Benjamin," I said sincerely. "I promise I'll do everything in my power to ensure her safety."

Benjamin's expression softened for a brief moment before his alpha mask returned. "Good. Now, let's get this over with. We need to get back to the mansion before anyone notices my absence". I made a signal to Sandra to leave her hiding spot and join us.

We made our way back to the mansion, walking side by side in uneasy silence. My mind was racing with fear about what would become of Sandra once she discovered the truth about our world, and hope as well that we would finally find our missing children.

When we arrived at the mansion, Benjamin led us through the back entrance, away from prying eyes. He explained that he would need to cover Sandra's scent with a special oil that would mask her human smell and protect her from any potential harm.

As we entered a hidden room filled with various concoctions and potions, Benjamin went to work, carefully applying the oil to Sandra's skin. She looked apprehensive, but determined. I could tell she was doing her best to trust us, even in this unfamiliar and dangerous world.

Throughout the process, Benjamin explained to Sandra the importance of keeping her true identity a secret. He emphasized the need for her to blend in and not draw any attention to herself. Sandra listened intently, absorbing every word, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and fear.

Once Benjamin finished applying the oil, he stepped back, assessing his work. "You should be safe now," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "But remember, you are in a world of supernatural beings. Be cautious, stay with Elena at all times, and do not reveal your true nature to anyone."

Sandra nodded, "I understand. Thank you for helping me", her voice barely above a whisper. Benjamin only nodded in response to her before rearranging some of the things he had tampered with. Sandra rushed towards me with a smile.

"He seems nicer than you had ever described him to be", she whispered. I stared at Benjamin and could sense him suddenly tensing up. How can I possibly shut her up when she is not even aware that Benjamin can hear everything she has just said?

"Please be quiet Sandra, he can hear us", I tried to sound convincing but all she did was chuckle.

"How is that possible? He is very far from us and won't even hear if I screamed into your ears", she whispered again. I continued to monitor Benjamin's body movements and he was clearly smiling at the fact that she did not understand what was going on.

"Did he accept the triplets?" She asked, clearly trying to bring up a topic I wasn't ready to answer or let Benjamin eavesdrop on. So all I did was shrug, following Benjamin slowly, still unaware of where he was taking us to.

"Where are you taking us to?" I asked, but he did not respond and just continued walking.

"Somewhere safe for the both of you, till I am ready to let the world know you have returned", he replied.

"If it's somewhere safe, why are we still in the palace?" I questioned.

"You don't expect me to just let you be seen around the palace", Benjamin said, escorting us to wherever we planned to stay at now.

"Why do we even have to stay here? I can just find somewhere to stay till you are ready to help with the search", I whispered making him stop abruptly in his steps.

Benjamin turned to face me, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Elena, I can't let you leave. It's too dangerous out there, especially with the current state of things. I may be the Alpha now, but there are still forces at play that I can't control. It's not safe for you or Sandra."

I sighed, frustration bubbling up within me. I understood his concerns, but I couldn't stay hidden away forever. I needed answers, and I needed to find our missing children. "Benjamin, I appreciate your concern, but staying within the palace walls will not bring our children back. We need to search for them, and that means going out into the world."

He looked torn, a mixture of fear and determination crossing his features. "I know, Elena, but it's too risky. We don't know who we can trust. I will not put Sandra in harm's way."